Embarking on a journey across the desert is about to undergo a transformation into a more opulent experience. The state-owned railway company, Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), recently sealed a 200 million Saudi riyals ($53.33 million) deal with the Italian hospitality firm Arsenale Group to introduce the first luxury train in the Middle Eastern kingdom.
Since officially welcoming international tourists in 2019, Saudi Arabia has tirelessly endeavored to attract visitors. The nation has made substantial tourism investments, including a $500 billion model city nestled in the northwest Saudi Arabian desert. Now, Saudi Arabia is taking a significant leap into the luxury train market, aligning itself with the slow travel movement.
Termed a “luxury train cruise,” the new train, named “Dream of the Desert,” is set to commence operations in late 2025. It will offer journeys from the capital city of Riyadh to Qurayyat, located near the northern border with Jordan, covering a 1,300-kilometer route across Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking desert landscapes, including the city of Hail.
The trains, designed with inspiration drawn from “Saudi style and tradition,” are currently being fully customized and constructed. Comprising 40 luxury cabins, reservations for these meticulously crafted trains are scheduled to open at the end of the year. One or two-night trips will be available for booking, catering to a maximum capacity of 82 passengers, as revealed by Paolo Barletta, CEO of Arsenale.
“The initial production phases of the Dream of the Desert carriages in Italy have recently commenced, and we can’t wait for the debut of our first train in the kingdom in the coming years,” expressed Barletta in an official statement. With this ambitious venture, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its allure as a premier travel destination, offering an unforgettable and luxurious train experience through its mesmerizing landscapes.
source: CNN.com